Shells for "Chocolate Mousse in Crispy Shells"

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on innovative techniques for creating shells for chocolate mousse, emphasizing the use of crepes and wonton wrappers. Participants recommend using kitchen shears to create decorative snowflake patterns on crepes, enhancing presentation. Wonton wrappers, when cut with a daisy/flower bread tube and brushed with water and cinnamon/sugar, serve as effective alternatives for mini shells. The consensus is to avoid pie crust due to its heaviness, which detracts from the lightness of the mousse.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic pastry techniques
  • Familiarity with kitchen tools such as kitchen shears and daisy/flower bread tubes
  • Knowledge of flavor enhancements like cinnamon/sugar
  • Experience with preparing and handling crepes and wonton wrappers
NEXT STEPS
  • Experiment with different crepe recipes for optimal texture
  • Research advanced techniques for decorative pastry design
  • Explore flavor variations for wonton wrappers beyond cinnamon/sugar
  • Investigate alternative light crust options suitable for mousse
USEFUL FOR

Pastry chefs, culinary enthusiasts, and event planners looking to enhance dessert presentations and improve their skills in creating light, decorative shells for chocolate mousse.

scottcooks
Gold Member
Messages
1,930
We tried some different things at a cluster meeting - If you have some "fancy cooks" at a show, you can actually make a kind of snowflake on the crepe with your kitchen shears by cutting a few more random holes. It really adds dramatic flair, and is not hard to do. Experiment at home before trying it at a show. Stay away from the base of the shell - you need some substance there to hold the mousse.

Make your foil balls ahead, and bring them with you.

If you have a packed house and lots of guests, you can use Wonton Wrappers - cut them with the daisy/flower bread tube, for a similar effect, and pop them in your mini muffin pan. I understand this is a kind of thing some very successful consultants do for "mega shows" with multiple hosts and 1 big demo.

For wonton wrapper shells, be sure to brush or sprtiz the inside with a little water, and shake a little cinnamon/sugar on the shell.

At our cluster meeting, we even tried this with pie crust, but it was way too thick and heavy for the light mousse. Crepes or won ton shells work OK.
What have you found with the crusts?
 
Have you been able to make them thin enough to be a viable option?
 
I have actually tried the snowflake crepe method at a show before and it was a hit! It definitely adds a nice touch and isn't too difficult to do. I agree that it's important to practice at home first before trying it at a show. I've also used wonton wrappers for mini shells and they work great. I love the idea of using the daisy/flower bread tube for a pretty design. And adding cinnamon/sugar is a great tip for extra flavor. I haven't tried using pie crust, but I can see how it would be too heavy for the mousse. I'll have to stick with crepes and wonton wrappers for now. Have you tried any other types of crusts for the mousse?
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ingredients needed for Chocolate Mousse in Crispy Shells?

The main ingredients for Chocolate Mousse in Crispy Shells include chocolate, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract for the mousse, while the crispy shells typically require flour, butter, sugar, and eggs.

How do I prepare the crispy shells for the Chocolate Mousse?

To prepare the crispy shells, you will need to mix the flour, butter, sugar, and eggs to form a dough. Roll out the dough and cut it into desired shapes, then bake them until golden brown and crispy. Allow them to cool before filling with mousse.

Can I make the chocolate mousse ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chocolate mousse ahead of time. It can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Just make sure to keep it covered to maintain its freshness.

How do I fill the crispy shells with chocolate mousse?

To fill the crispy shells, you can use a piping bag or a spoon to carefully add the chocolate mousse into each shell. Be gentle to avoid breaking the shells, and fill them just to the top for an appealing presentation.

What are some variations I can try with the Chocolate Mousse in Crispy Shells?

You can try different variations by adding flavors to the mousse, such as espresso, orange zest, or peppermint extract. Additionally, you can top the mousse with whipped cream, fresh berries, or chocolate shavings for added texture and flavor.

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